When I lost weight the first time, I was in denial. I hadn’t really paid attention to the weight creeping on, and had a very warped sense of what I looked like. There weren’t any pictures of me, because I was always behind the camera. I knew I was heavy, but thought I carried it well. I also really wasn’t sure just how much I weighed, or all of the ways it was impacting my health. I was clueless about nutrition, and exercise. I was also angry that previous attempts to lose weight were failures, and convinced that my thyroid condition was making it impossible.

I think all of that made losing weight that time so much easier. Not to say that it was easy, because it wasn’t. But I started learning and caring about nutrition. I started trying new foods, and being more aware of my choices. I started exercising, and enjoyed my progress. I saw a picture of myself, and really came to terms with how I looked to everyone else. It was a new experience, but it was enlightening, and I felt so accomplished with each pound I shed.

But fast forward to gaining most of that weight back, and it’s such a different experience. I have to admit that while I try very hard not to use negative self talk, there are times where I am very angry with myself for letting the weight come back when this time I knew better. I know what works, and what doesn’t, and so now there is very little I can use as an excuse for why the weight came back.

This time it is more frustrating to pick up weights and realize that right now I can’t lift as heavy as I was a few years ago. That most of the progress I made has to be made again. The small victories on the scale seem smaller now that I know how much better I felt at the lower weight. It’s not all about appearance either. I felt better in all ways. My heartburn was gone, I slept better, had more energy. I know I’m healthier without the weight. This time I know that the goal I wasn’t sure about the first time is achievable, and I have the clothes to prove it.

It’s difficult doing this again. It’s hard not to beat myself up. But, we all know that won’t do any good. The fact is, the weight is back, and I do have to do it again. But in the same way that it is frustrating to think back to when I was there, I now have the memory of getting there and knowing how much better I felt. I know what I’m feeling now is temporary, and that goal is totally achievable and then some. It’s all a process.

This year I would like to start a yoga practice, train for a 5K, and give up dairy for good.

It would also be super duper awesome if I also lost some weight this year. It’s not a resolution, though, just a reminder to myself to try and have the best year yet because I am worth it.

The thing I am looking forward to most this year is a vacation with my kids.

I’ll use the one thing that truly gets me out of bed in the morning which is setting a fun alarm message to help me get up, get moving (verb) and get after my #NoExcuses 2015.

Speaking of excuses (ahem), my very favorite excuse is I’m tired and I have used it to get out of doing workouts and household chores on more than a million? (number) occasions.

I vow to move my body and be more healthy this year even if it means I have to give up a little extra sleep.

Even if my alarm clock gets eaten by the dog in the middle of the night, I’ll still get up and get some activity in.

I will stop blaming the kids [ex: kids, dog, husband] for eating the rest of the chocolate when everyone knows it was really me.

My inner critics[job, hair, car, husband, kids] are not the reason I make excuses. I will show my inner critics

[same as before] who’s boss this year and get my lifting [type of sweaty activity] on.

I know that lifting [type of workout] is better than sitting [noun]

I will reward myself by buying new workout clothes!

No Excuses 2015 has just begun and already I am imagining myself a winner. I can’t wait to rock a hoodie (article of clothing) from Augusta Active. I can’t wait till my sweaty friends are jealous of how fresh, clean and fresh (adj) I am between workouts with help from ShowerPill body wipes. I can see myself rocking down dog [yoga pose / workout move] in new Tie One On Legging [article of clothing from Actio926] from Actio926 and looking fit and fly while doing it. And of course, I’ll be taking my workouts to the next level and improving my core [noun] with my new ActivMotion Bar to help me train for my next 5K[distance] race with Sasquatch Racing.

Oh, and let’s not forget how amazing my leggings [article of clothing] will smell in my / during my 5K[favorite type of workout] after washing with some WIN Detergent. And lastly, I’ll keep rocking my 2015 with clean eats and nutrition from Beaming with Health!

Tag, Tweet, shout-out, call, text, fax or email 3 friends to take this survey and share how they will have a #NoExcuses 2015. Remind your friends to simply fill in the underlined parts!

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